FM Global Modifies Fire Protection Standards

FM Global has rolled out important modifications to its fire protection standards with the introduction of a new Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers and a revised version of its Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities. These changes come as a result of FM Global's extensive research and testing of the latest sprinkler technology and are intended to help simplify fire protection choice, maximize protection while minimizing installation costs, and support overall sustainable business practices.

"Our latest research shows that specific design characteristics determine the effectiveness of a sprinkler—not ceiling density—and that these factors can be used to ensure that FM Global's fire protection standards offer the most potent protection schemes," says Brion Callori, senior vice president, Engineering and Research.

Callori adds that the evolution of FM Global's fire protection standards involves moving away from sprinkler density as a design criterion and toward key performance attributes associated with sprinkler design and installation characteristics, such as K-factor (ability to flow water), orientation, response time and temperature rating.

"Following these new guidelines will result in less fire, smoke and water damage should a fire occur," says Shivan S. Subramaniam, FM Global's chairman and CEO. "In addition, because these new standards require fewer sprinklers, less piping and lower water pressur to operate, we believe clients will realize reduced costs for more effective protectionoptions, making automatic sprinklers not only simpler and cheaper, but also a more sustainable choice for loss prevention."

For more information, go to www.fmglobaldatasheets.com.

Code Changes to Reflect NIST WTC Findings

Faster and more efficient emergency evacuations from buildings—especially tall structures—and better communications between first responders during an emergency are among the safety improvements expected from 17 major and far-reaching building and fire code changes approved recently by the International Code Council (ICC) based on recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The recommendations were based on NIST's investigation of the collapses of New York City's World Trade Center (WTC) towers and WTC 7 on Sept. 11, 2001.

The new changes, adopted at the ICC hearings held May 15-23, 2010, in Dallas, will be incorporated into the 2012 edition of the ICC's I-Codes (specifically the International Building Code, or IBC, and the International Fire Code, or IFC).

The 17 new code changes include safety improvements to existing requirements for elevators in tall buildings used during an emergency by occupants evacuating and firefighters entering, and provisions to ensure that emergency radio communications will effectively serve first responders throughout their local communities.

For more information, go to www.nist.gov.